Rooted in Melody: Laurie Lewis’ New Album Trees

Laurie Lewis will receive a 2024 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award and is on tour with new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

BERKELEY, Calif. — With five decades of music-making to her credit, multi-GRAMMY nominee Laurie Lewis has emerged as both a successor and contemporary of the many greats in bluegrass, old-time, and folk music. Unafraid to venture beyond established boundaries, she has carved out her place as a uniquely singular vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, and frontwoman in genres revered for their adherence to tradition, authenticity, and the canon of the forebearers. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2024)

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced that Lewis will receive a 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards taking place Thursday, September 26, at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A two-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, she also won the coveted Song of the Year award for her rendition of the now-standard ‘Who Will Watch the Home Place?’ She has sung and recorded with Linda Ronstadt (“Pretty Bird”), and set poems by Wendell Berry to music—at his request (“Burley Coulter’s Song for Kate Helen Branch”). She’s influenced and inspired folks like guitarist phenom Molly Tuttle—one example of an entire generation of pickers and singers who call her a mentor. Ultimately, Lewis occupies a unique, superlative niche in American roots music that is all her own.

Lewis released her 24th album, TREES, on May 31 on her own label, Spruce and Maple Music. With it, she presents a profound and multifaceted perspective with life, nature, loss, and grief. While deeply reflective, this set includes danceable music that drips with community and never feels burdened by its subject matter or apparent solitude. These songs—seven originals and a handful of covers—aren’t too concerned with genre, especially given that bluegrass and old-time tend to spout from Lewis like a bubbling mountain spring, in so many distinct manifestations.

Her band includes Lewis on guitar and lead vocals throughout (along with fiddle on one track), Hasee Ciaccio on bass, Brandon Godman on fiddle, Patrick Sauber on banjo, and George Guthrie on guitar and banjo. Special guests on the album include Andrew Marlin on mandolin, Sam Reider on accordion, and Nina Gerber on guitar.

Trees tracklist:
1. Just a Little Ways Down the Road
2. Enough
3. Texas Wind
4. Why’d You Have To Break My Heart
5. Quaking Aspen
6. Trees
7. Long Gone
8. Hound Dog Blues
9. The Banks are Covered in Blue
10. Down on the Levee
11. The Day is Mine
12. Rock The Pain Away

Laurie Lewis Tour Dates:
9/17-20 – Bluegrass on Whitewater – Rogue River, OR
9/22 – FreshGrass Festival – North Adams, MA
9/25-26 – IBMA Conference – Raleigh, NC
9/27 – IBMA WOB Festival – Raleigh NC
10/5 – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – San Francisco, CA
11/2 – McCloud River Mountain Music – McCloud, CA
11/8 – The Old Steeple – Ferndale, CA
11/9 – Soper Reese Theatre – Lakeville, CA
11/30 – Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA

Laurie Lewis. Photo: Irene Young, used with permission.

Upcoming Events This Fall at Pearl in San Antonio

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing at Pearl. Other events include Mariachi Mondays, Mercadito Cultural Night Markets, and Music on the Springs. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

San Antonio – Pearl is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events throughout September and into mid-October. Visitors can enjoy Mariachi Mondays featuring pop-up performances in Pearl Park, Mercadito Cultural night markets on Wednesdays showcasing Hispanic chefs and artisans, and Music on the Springs every Friday evening with live entertainment. These events aim to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community in San Antonio through music, food, and art. (Pearl, 2024)

Mercadito Cultural
Wednesday, September 18 & 25 from 5p.m. to 9p.m.
Pearl Farmers Market presents “Mercadito Cultural” on September 18 and 25. Join Mercadito Cultural to celebrate the talented chefs, artisans, and captivating performances that showcase the richness of Hispanic culture including live performances by Mariachi Las Alteñas each week. Starting Wednesday, October 2, these will transition into Harvest Markets that take place each Wednesday through the month of October.

Music on the Springs
Every Friday through November 29 from 5p.m. to 8p.m.
Taking place every Friday at 1100 Springs Plaza, Pearl is hosting Music on the Springs featuring artisans, vendors, food and live music.

“This time of year gives us a wonderful chance to reflect on San Antonio’s place in the world with its unique and vibrant identity, shaped by the rich cultural stories and traditions that are deeply intertwined with our city’s Hispanic heritage. Our month-long celebration is all about creating meaningful connections and partnerships that highlight the spirit of San Antonio. The events and programs we’ve planned are designed to showcase the richness and diversity of our community, inviting everyone to share in our authentic selves.” – Mesha Millsap, Pearl CEO

Mariachi Mondays
Every Monday thru October 14 6p.m. to 7p.m.
Pearl continues the celebration all month long with a series of vibrant pop-up mariachi performances throughout Pearl Park. These lively musical events will take place all month long, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music and its significance to the community.

Visitors can enjoy the enchanting sounds of traditional mariachi groups as they perform in various locations around the park, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of the month. Pearl aims to foster a sense of community and connection through these performances, inviting both locals and visitors to join in the festivities and appreciate the artistry and passion of mariachi musicians.

“Always Pa’delante” Mural Installation
Now through October 15, 2024 – Pearl’s Shaded Structure
Pearl is showcasing a new mural by renowned Oaxacan artist Edefroy “Froy” Padilla through October 15 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Titled “Always Pa’delante” (or “Always Forward”), the mural features notable figures César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel García Márquez, and Selena, on a tandem bicycle, symbolizing Latino political and cultural achievements.

Padilla, known for portraying Mexican icons as Hollywood movie characters, completed the mural last week. The mural will remain on display at Pearl through October 15 and will serve as inspiration for future generations.

A tandem bike featuring César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel García Márquez and Selena. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Movie Mondays are Coming Back
Every Monday starting October 14 thru December 9, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. to 9p.m.
Movie Mondays will make their return just in time for cooler weather. Movie titles to be announced – follow Historic Pearl on social media for more details.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. It is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.

‘Something Better’: Diane Parrish’s Insightful New Debut Novel

‘Something Better’ by Diane Parrish. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Literary fiction is a genre that emphasizes character development, thematic depth, and stylistic innovation. Unlike genre fiction, which often prioritizes plot and genre conventions, literary fiction explores the complexities of human experience and societal issues through detailed narratives and intricate prose. It often challenges readers with its explorations of morality, identity, and existential questions, encouraging deep reflection and interpretation. Literary fiction invites readers to engage with both the text and their own perceptions, fostering a profound connection with the human condition.

Among the new books coming out next month in the literary fiction genre, specifically women’s literary fiction and contemporary literary fiction is “Something Better” by Diane Parrish.

Diane Parrish is originally from the Midwest and now lives with her husband and their elderly Corgi in Connecticut, where they raised their two children. Her essays and short fiction have appeared in various literary journals and magazines. “Something Better” is her first novel and will be released October 8, 2024. It is available for pre-order through Amazon and Bookshop. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“Something Better” – Shocking, heartbreaking, funny, and tender, “Something Better,” the accomplished debut by Diane Parrish, will stay with you long after you’ve read the final poignant scene.

The bubble in which Ruth and David live their tidy suburban lives is about to burst. A tragic automobile accident shatters their insular world and sends David into an emotional tailspin. An unexpected job opportunity takes Ruth to the West Coast, waylaying her desire to become a mother and making her increasingly unavailable for David’s needs.

Thrown off balance and alone, David develops a fixation on Annabeth Brady, the daughter of the friends killed in the car crash that fateful night. As he and Ruth drift further apart, each must decide if they will remain true to their vows, or what it might mean to search for something better.

Parrish pulls back the facade of the carefully cultivated suburbs with luscious prose infused with flashes of humor and insight, as she quietly questions our notions of forgiveness and faith. “Something Better” ushers a sparkling new talent onto the literary landscape.

“Something Better gently explores grief in its many forms. Infused with keen insight, empathy into our human foibles, and wisdom about grace and forgiveness, Diane Parrish’s deft prose offers a timely reminder that it’s never too late to heal, if only we can take the first step.”
—Kristin Koval,author of the novel “Penitence”

“Diane Parrish beautifully constructs a world where things left unsaid create a pathway to redemption.”
— Susan Aronson, writer, producer, Emmy Award winner

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Trapped in Suspense: How Raf Lindia’s ‘Girl in a Glass Box’ Redefines Psychological Thrillers

‘Girl in a Glass Box’ is a suspenseful psychological thriller by Raf Lindia. Photo: Amazon

Raf Lindia is a multi award winner for best screenplay based on his novel “Girl in a Glass Box.” A screenplay writer and movie producer, Raf Lindia first novels featuring the engaging Detective Francesco Marchese, have been highly acclaimed in his home country and home language. Raf has lived in New York since 2014 where he continues to pursue his passion as a writer and his dream of sharing his novels with a wider audience. “Girl in a Glass Box” is his third novel translated in English after “A One Way Ticket” (2022) and “Shakespeare: Conspiracy of Silence” (2021). (Amazon, 2024)

“Girl in a Glass Box” – Emily Barton’s life is different from the other children of Mystic, Connecticut. Traumatized by the abandonment of her father at only six years old, she spends her childhood between therapy and home-schooling. With a very protective mother, many years pass before Emily is ready for a normal life. When she falls in love with her high school classmate, Robert Smith, she is forced to discover the harsh difference between love and possession.

Review:

The story centers around Emily and takes place in Connecticut. It begins with an adult Emily meeting up with her fiancée Peter Avellino, an officer with the Groton Police. Together they visit the grave of Robert Smith and then visit Valerie’s mother in prison where she has been for the last seven years. Afterwards, they head out to Emily’s childhood home to retrieve her original social security card, which she needs for her new job. Being there brings back memories she wishes she could erase. The narrative then goes back to her childhood years, starting when she was excited about turning six and starting the first grade. Her excitement turns to heartbreak when Valerie tells her that her father Albert has left them and is never coming back. This event will forever change Emily’s life as she is thrown into a dark and destructive world of psychological abuse.

“Girl in a Glass Box” is a riveting psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As Emily struggles to piece together the fragments of her memory and uncover the truth about what really happened all those years ago, it unravels a web of secrets and lies that reveals deeper layers of intrigue. She doesn’t understand what is happening to her and is understandably trusting her mother to do the right thing, but she will live to regret it. The ending is definitely a surprise and hints of a continuing story.

The writing is sharp and haunting, immersing readers in Emily’s confusing world filled with frustration and growing desperation: “The reality struck her, crushing her heart past the point of tears. Her father was no longer part of their lives.” While the narrative is non-linear, it’s a short and easy read. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter escalating the tension and adding new twists to the plot. Emily’s character is deeply developed and she is portrayed with depth and complexity, making her plight all the more compelling. More background on Valerie would have helped readers understand the reasoning behind her disturbing behavior. The story explores the themes of family, identity, and survival. Lindia masterfully balances suspense with psychological insight, making this novel not just a gripping read but a thought-provoking one.

Overall, “Girl in a Glass Box” is a dark psychological thriller and a standout in the genre that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Lindia’s next work. Hopefully by shining the light on destructive and complex familial relationships and psychological abuse/manipulation, it will promote dialogue on these social issues that often go unnoticed. It is recommended for fans of suspense, thrillers, and thought provoking family drama fiction.

“She put me inside a glass box that I couldn’t perceive and from which she didn’t intend to let me out. I was in a prison I couldn’t see.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Wineville: Brande Roderick’s 70s-Inspired Horror Debut

Wineville is available to view on Video on Demand/Digital. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Horror movies captivate audiences by tapping into our primal fears and anxieties, using suspense, surprise, and the macabre to elicit strong emotional responses. From classic monsters and haunted houses to psychological thrillers and supernatural entities, these films explore the darker side of human imagination. They often reflect societal fears and personal anxieties, offering both a mirror and an escape. With their eerie soundtracks, unsettling visuals, and intense narratives, horror movies create a unique blend of entertainment and terror. They not only provide a thrill but also a cathartic experience, allowing viewers to confront their deepest fears in a controlled environment.

If you like horror movies, there’s a new one out this month. Dark Star Pictures has released the 70s-inspired, wine-soaked horror/slasher Wineville. It is available on VOD/Digital and Physical Media including Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

Wineville is the directorial debut from producer/star Brande Roderick who is best known for her role as Leigh Dyer on the television series Baywatch. Roderick has also appeared in various films, TV and reality shows, including Starsky and Hutch, The Nanny Diaries, and Celebrity Apprentice. Roderick will appear in Hulu’s upcoming four part docu series After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.

Set in the 70s, Wineville follows a woman who, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, is forced to return to the family vineyard to settle his affairs upon his death. She discovers that the dark secrets she left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, fermenting into violence and death.

Additional cast includes Carolyn Hennesy (General Hospital, Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Hard Kill, Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard) and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman (The Man From Earth), who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater.

“Wineville was influenced by 70s horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Last House on the Left. I wanted my first feature to be not only in the horror genre that I loved so much growing up, but to also pay homage to the flavor and style of that decade’s films that made such an impact on me.” – Brande Roderick

Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, the film references the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The heinous crimes garnered significant notoriety due to their brutal nature and the subsequent investigation, which ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.

Wineville
Rated R for graphic violence, graphic language, intense themes of incest, and sexual content.
Run Time: 1hr 40 min

Wineville. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sweeten the Holidays With Macarons from Bakery Lorraine: Now Available Nationwide

Bakery Lorraine’s macarons are available for nationwide delivery. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

As temperatures drop and delicious pastries become the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, gift your loved ones a sweet treat from Bakery Lorraine. This San Antonio and Austin-based bakery and coffee shop offers the finest French baked goods, exceptional savory bites, and decadent macarons. (Bakery Lorraine, 2024)

Families with loved ones spread far and wide can rest easy knowing Bakery Lorraine’s macarons are available for nationwide shipping. Gift-givers can choose from a variety of flavors, including salted caramel, raspberry, Earl Grey, dreamsicle, s’mores, pistachio, dark chocolate lavender, and more. Macarons are available in assortment packs of 6 pack or 12 pack and are handcrafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is an experience of pure indulgence. Whether gifting them to family, friends, or colleagues, these treats are sure to bring joy and add a touch of elegance to any holiday celebration.

Make this holiday season deliciously stress-free with Bakery Lorraine’s reliable nationwide pastry shipping and delicious assortment of macarons that will impress, delight, and leave a lasting impression.

September is National Honey Month, a month dedicated to creating awareness and recognizing the importance of honey bees, Bakery Lorraine has created a delightful new dessert that is perfect for honey lovers: the Honey Lemon Cup.

For just $7, this treat features layers of wildflower honey panna cotta, soaked honey lemon sponge cake, and is topped with a luscious honey cream and lemon gelee. It’s available at all San Antonio and Boerne locations throughout the month of September.

To celebrate National Honey Month, Bakery Lorraine is also showcasing a special honey display at their Pearl location, where customers can sample a variety of honey throughout the month—while supplies last.

Bakery Lorraine’s Honey Lemon Cup. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Some Place to Rest Easy: The Stories and Inspirations of Bob Sumner’s New Album

Bob Sumner wrangles real-life subject matter with a good-time country sound in new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Vancouver, BC – Singer-songwriter Bob Sumner cites the musically progressive sensibilities of his heroes when talking about the spirit of his new album, Some Place to Rest Easy, out now via Fluff & Gravy (worldwide) and North Country Collective (Canada). “They were always creating something new, something different,” he says of idols like George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. With that ideology in mind, Sumner set about creating an album that takes as much inspiration from the audio production of Randy Travis as it does the lyrical soul of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker—a melding of eras, sounds, concepts, and stylings that’s informed by the past, but never bound by it. (IV-PR, 2024)

With Some Place to Rest Easy, Sumner picks up the tempo compared to his previous releases, balancing the stirring lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a more buoyant, lively feel. “It felt appropriate to give the music itself some joy,” says the man who’s made a career out of tapping into difficult-to-touch-on, real-life stuff in a relatable, palatable manner. In the end, that’s what Sumner’s music has always been about—more than a single sound, influence, instrumental, or clever line. “I always want people to feel something,” Sumner explains. “If I heard that this album helped somebody that was feeling down, even just by feeling some other emotion for a little while, that’s the number one thing for me.”

Fans can now stream or purchase Some Place to Rest Easy. Sumner will take the stage at Nashville’s world-famous Bluebird Cafe on September 15. Tickets and complete tour dates are available online.

Some Place to Rest Easy tracklist:
Bridges
Motel Room
Don’t We Though
You Can Stay Here
Forty Years on the Floor
Didn’t We Dream
Turn You Into Stone
Baby I Know
Lonesome Sound
Familiar Feeling
Is It Really Any Wonder

Some Place to Rest Easy In The News:

“A blend of past, present, and future sounds” – American Songwriter

“More than a single sound, influence, instrumental, or theme, the through line in Sumner’s music has always been vulnerability.” – Glide Magazine

“Genuine and weighty songwriting” – Americana Highways

“High class, country leaning Americana.” – Americana UK

“It takes a deft hand to put out a good, sad record…Bob Sumner nails it on Someplace To Rest Easy.” – Twangville

Madam Paleta Tequila: Hot New Tequila To Gift This Holiday Season

Madam Paleta Tequila ships to select states across the United States. Photo: Madam Paleta Tequila, used with permission.

Gift-giving during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that promotes warmth and connection. It’s more than exchanging items; it’s about expressing care, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. The act of selecting or creating a gift often reflects the giver’s understanding of the recipient’s preferences, creating a meaningful bond. While the holiday season can be bustling with commercialism, the true essence lies in the joy of giving and receiving. Whether it’s a handcrafted token or a well-chosen item, gifts serve as a tangible reminder of our relationships and the shared moments we celebrate together. With the holidays season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about gift giving ideas.

Today’s highlight is on the new Madam Paleta Tequila, a female-founded, award-winning tequila brand, rooted in Mexican authenticity that offers additive-free premium blanco flavor-infused tequilas. Crafted with 100% blue agave from Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, it ensures a smooth finish without the dreaded “tequila face.” (Madam Paleta Tequila, 2024)

Madam Paleta is the perfect choice for holiday gatherings and gifting to the tequila aficionado in your life. Why should Madam Paleta be a part of this year’s holiday gifting lists? What sets Madam Paleta apart from other tequilas?

Authentic Flavors:

Madam Paleta Tequila offers 3 authentic flavors inspired by the Mexican Paleta (popsicle) culture. There are no fake flavors, syrups or sugar-based enhancements – what you see is what you get, making it perfect for sipping, shooting, or mixing.
Grapefruit embodies a distinctive blanco tequila infused with natural grapefruit flavors and subtle notes of tart sweetness.
Pineapple offers a refreshing and crisp taste full of flavor, reminiscent of a tropical getaway in every sip.
Tamarind presents the distinct taste of tangy tamarind with an extra layer of boldness and authenticity.

Key Awards:

Madam Paleta Tequila has already received industry recognition with prestigious awards, including the recent 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold victory and “Best in Class” finalist nomination for Tamarind – the first flavor-infused tequila with this distinction.
Madam Paleta also won gold medals for Grapefruit and Pineapple in the 2023 Pr%F Awards and gold medals for Tamarind and Grapefruit in the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards.

Artwork Collaboration:

The brand’s striking artwork and bottle design are equally intentional. Madam Paleta uses its bottle as a canvas, partnering with local artists for each production batch, showcasing bold, vibrant, and lively artwork as an opportunity to celebrate visionary women. The next artist they are partnering with for the new production batch is San Antonio, TX based Hispanic artist Alyssa Raymond.

Madam Paleta Tequila is available for purchase online with delivery available across the nation to select states. In-store purchases can be made at select retailers across Texas.

Transform Your Business: How Mike Dunlop’s ‘The Art of the Turnaround’ Can Revolutionize Your Strategy

‘The Art of the Turnaround’ is the new business strategy guide by Mike Dunlop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Business books offer invaluable insights into the strategies, principles, and practices that drive successful enterprises. They cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and management to marketing and finance. By studying these books, entrepreneurs and professionals can learn from the experiences of industry leaders, gain practical advice, and understand emerging trends. Titles like “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins provide actionable frameworks for achieving business excellence. Whether you’re starting a new venture or seeking to enhance an established organization, business books serve as a vital resource for growth and innovation. Today’s new book is “The Art of the Turnaround” by Mike Dunlop.

Mike Dunlop has helped restore 34 companies in various stages of financial demise back to profitability. He has worked in the aerospace sector for over four decades and has built a number of aerospace component manufacturing companies, both in Europe and the United States. The largest company he founded, QPM Aerospace, grew to $30 million in sales in the first ten years. Dunlop designed and founded Net-Inspect, the most widely used aerospace quality-management system in the world. He holds four US Patents and has been passionate about airplanes since his first flight on a Vickers Viscount in 1955 at the age of seven. Dunlop is an experienced public speaker and offers his wisdom and stories on his weekly podcast, also entitled The Art of the Turnaround. In his new book “The Art of the Turnaround: A Comprehensive 10-Step Guide,” he shares his experiences helping businesses go from financial straits to profitability. (Shark Party Media, 2024)

“The Art of the Turnaround” – Mike Dunlop shares his proven 10-step method for turning around companies in deep financial distress, which he has used to restore some 34 companies to financial health and profitability. Infused with Dunlop’s down-to-earth humor and deep understanding of how people in companies actually work, especially at a time of crisis. It offers CEOs of troubled companies and leaders who are buying distressed companies a practical way to avoid financial ruin. Dunlop also offers hope that, after the challenging task of turning a money-losing company into a profitable one, life for the CEO as well as those who stay in the company will be enjoyable again.

All proceeds from the sale of “The Art of the Turnaround” and associated speaking engagements will be donated to Eastside Academy and Jubilee Reach.

Author Mike Dunlop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Ruby & Onyx’: A Comprehensive Review of Summer Grace’s Latest Work

‘Ruby & Onyx’ is a coming of age fantasy novel by Summer Grace.

Summer Grace is a debut author, with “Ruby & Onyx” as the first part of a series. Summer is passionate about writing stories that inspire as much as they entertain, and she hopes that this book will inspire more women to believe in themselves and embrace their inner strength. (Amazon, 2024)

“Ruby & Onyx” – Trapped in the remote village of Carcera, Radya dreams of an impossible life: a life outside of the magical barrier, a life of love and adventure, and a life free from the menacing red eyes haunting her nightmares. Those delusions are just dreams, until those red eyes turn corporeal and reveal a fate foretold from ages past. Forced to reckon with an arranged marriage to the Prince of Mendacia, who irritates her as often as he quickens her pulse, Radya must navigate an unfamiliar world of magic, lies, and deception. The closer she gets to the truth, the more people get hurt. Each revelation comes at cost, threatening to ignite a war between Kingdoms and lovers. Will Radya choose this new life, despite the profound repercussions? Or will she follow her dreams, which connect her to yet another life unknown?

Review:
The story begins with Radya noticing a strange man on the other side of the barrier that surrounds the small village where she grew up. She knows he shouldn’t be there and he’s asking too many questions and without any warning, he rushes the barrier, only to be reduced to ashes. This experience haunts here and one day, out of nowhere, she is whisked away to a castle in a faraway land and given an ultimatum. Within 30 days, she must decide if she wants to go through with an arranged marriage or risk war among the neighboring kingdoms. The people she thought she knew turn against her and she can’t trust what she sees and hears. Regardless of what she chooses, her life will never be the same.

“Ruby & Onyx” is a captivating contemporary romance that examines the complexities of love and identity. The prose is both haunting and lyrical, immersing readers in the characters’ emotional landscapes: “Despite how annoying he is, I can’t help but notice his beauty. But even the scales of a snake’s skin can be alluring.” Radya’s journey of self-discovery and healing is portrayed with depth and nuance, while the rich character development and vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the overall reading experience. The author skillfully balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more intimate scenes, ensuring a well-rounded narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Despite being brief, the romantic scenes are intense without being graphic or vulgar.

Overall, “Ruby & Onyx” is a beautifully crafted tale that explores themes of love, loss, and self- discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of strong-willed heroines or tales of love set against a backdrop of danger and intrigue, this book will not disappoint. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is romantically fulfilling.

“Before I can run, before I can stop what’s about to happen, our hands meet. The second they do, an explosion of sound and color booms around us, and the room melts into a blur like watercolors washing away.”